Comments on: Look Left

By: Christopher

Christopher — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 04:01:55 +0000

@Scott: Quite so. An implication that art should in and of itself entail poverty is not my intended message. I do find the current imbalance in the system disturbing. I’m glad people are calling it out as such. I think I just don’t have much to add on that score that others aren’t saying with more eloquence and intelligence.

I also note that this rant certainly doesn’t offer a holistic, systemic alternative to the current imbalanced ecosystem. It’s an attitude, rather than a plan, so it only goes so far. It just happens to be an attitude I really want to highlight, as I think that whatever systemic alternative might exist may possibly emerge only from this attitude.

By: Scott Walters

Scott Walters — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 02:26:27 +0000

I agree wholeheartedly with almost everything you say here. EXCEPT the part where you seem to imply that, because you CHOSE to be a theatre artist, that therefore you DESERVE to not be able to make a living. That is a toxic myth that gets foisted on artists, instead of calling for economic justice. If everyone in the regional theatre wasn’t making money, that would be one thing. But there are ADs and MDs and staff people who ARE making good money (ADs like Robert Falls are making MAJOR money — half million dollars a year), who ARE getting health insurance, and if that is the case, then we need to raise a fuss. That said, your central point is exactly right: get OUT of the system, and make your own way. Think entrepreneurially, and find the artistic freedom that goes with not relying on your art to feed your face.

By: Artists Want a Home | DENNIS BAKER

Artists Want a Home | DENNIS BAKER — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:48:03 +0000

[...] any theater is really paying much of anything for playwrights, and as Chris Ashworth points out NEWS FLASH: ARTISTS GET PAID SHIT. Maybe the idea of making a money as an artist needs to be put aside for awhile and instead of [...]

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:23:38 +0000

Awesome awesome awesome.

I think that this is exactly the stance that needs to be taken anytime a group of people collectively decide to complain about their plight. And not everyone needs to take this stance, but it must be taken.

It’s sort of like, “Well, if it’s that bad, why are you still doing it?” and “If it’s that bad, what are you doing to fix it?”

You have shown that there is a better way to approach this, at least better for you, and everyone else should take the time to find the best way for them.

By: Dennis Baker

Dennis Baker — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:20:45 +0000

Thanks Chris. I concur that we as artists need to one find our own way, and realize it will probably be in a manner where the art is not where the money is coming from. As part techy myself, I am always looking to merge my passions and skills of web design/seo with that of the theater/acting.

I liked when you said, “… or how the hell can I afford health insurance, or how will I find the energy to work two jobs and still have something left to give to the creative process of making a play happen. And that? That’s not just liberating. That is fucking fun.” As much as the negative is being brought to light with Outrageous Fortune, we should also talk about the good things of living a freelance artistic life and continue to share how we are making it work in our own different paths.

By: Tweets that mention ChrisAshworth.org » Blog Archive » Look Left -- Topsy.com

Tweets that mention ChrisAshworth.org » Blog Archive » Look Left -- Topsy.com — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:05:21 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Chris Ashworth, Dennis Baker. Dennis Baker said: RT @Chris_Ashworth: New blog post: "Look Left" http://bit.ly/7x9AKr [...]